Your Guide to Ruidoso’s Must-See Holiday Events

Ruidoso shines brightly during the holidays. The village comes alive with festive parades, Christmas shows, twinkling light displays, and seasonal celebrations for all ages. Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or looking for the year’s must-see festivities, here’s your guide to Ruidoso’s top holiday events.

Light shows, holiday parades, and winter sleigh rides. Discover how Ruidoso shines at holiday time.

Light shows, holiday parades, and seasonal celebrations. Discover how Ruidoso shines at holiday time.

2025/2026 Holiday Events

Featured
Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll
Oct 28
Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll

Bring the kids to Midtown for safe Trick-or-Treating and fun Halloween events. There will be fun for the whole family with candy and a costume contest for children 17 and younger. Plus, pumpkin carving, pumpkin roll, coffin race, candy, and much more. See you there! Join the fun in Midtown Ruidoso for the annual Trick-or-Treat celebration from 3–6:30 PM along Sudderth Drive—closed to traffic for a safe, family-friendly Halloween experience.

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12th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival at Historic Lincoln
Oct 31
12th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival at Historic Lincoln

Celebrate Día de los Muertos in historic Lincoln with live music, dance performances, historic presentations, ofrendas, face painting, food, drinks, and handcrafted vendors. Admission is free, and the festival offers a full day of family-friendly activities. Most vendors will be cash only due to limited cell service.

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Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center
Nov 13
Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center

Embrace the season and join the Ruidoso Valley Greeters for a timeless and treasured tradition, the Christmas Jubilee, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Admission is only $5.00 and active military members are free. Learn more at RuidosoChristmasJubilee.com

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A Christmas Affair at Ruidoso Convention Center
Nov 20
A Christmas Affair at Ruidoso Convention Center

Shop from a selection of artisan makers and small businesses at A Christmas Affair, November 20 - 22, 2026, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and décor from talented local artists. Enjoy delicious treats, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun—all in a magical holiday atmosphere! 

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Ruidoso Turkey Trot 5K
Nov 28
Ruidoso Turkey Trot 5K

Join the fun at Ruidoso’s 11th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk on November 28, 2026! The final race in the Ruidoso Run Series kicks off at 10 a.m. on the Links Trail. The first 50 runners receive a free T-shirt and the first 70 finishers earn a participation medal. In-person registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the White Mountain Recreation Complex.

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Christmas In The Park
Dec 3
Christmas In The Park

Celebrate the magic of the season at Christmas in the Park! Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with music, ice skating, and holiday fun. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with Mayor Crawford for the tree lighting around 6 p.m., followed by sleigh rides, photos with Santa, and a chance for kids to receive a free toy from Ruidoso Parks & Recreation. Lights on display through January.

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Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade
Dec 5
Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade

Ruidoso’s beloved Festival of Lights Parade brings friends and family together for an evening of twinkling lights and togetherness in the winter wonderland of Ruidoso.

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The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 19
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.

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The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 19
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.

Read more →
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 20
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.

Read more →
Things to do in Ruidoso, Winter, Entertainment experiences, Attractions & ActivitiesEditorsholiday activities, Holiday events, winter